Dawes readies sophomore album for June 7 release

ATO Records is proud to announce the release of Nothing Is Wrong, the highly anticipated second album by critically acclaimed Los Angeles-based, Dawes, on June 7, 2011. Nothing Is Wrong is the follow-up to the band’s 2009 debut, North Hills (featuring their breakout anthem, "When My Time Comes"), an extraordinary record that was released quietly and soon became regarded among critics and fans across the country as a classic and must-own favorite. A collection of songs that expertly builds upon the template laid by North Hills, Nothing Is Wrong sees Dawes displaying strong growth and evolution while still manifesting their distinctive, unforgettable voice.

A self-described "American rock ‘n’ roll band," Dawes represent everything pure and true about that fundamental delineation, four talented friends making music together, fueled by a shared belief in the power of their songs. With Nothing Is Wrong, singer/guitarist Goldsmith, his brother Griffin on drums, keyboardist Tay Strathairn, and bassist Wylie Gelber – continue to master their blend of singer/songwriter reflection with folk, country, and AOR-inspired arrangements, all ringing guitars, soaring harmonies, and heartfelt melodies.

"We didn’t change up our approach too much and yet we were able to create something that I feel has a new identity from our first record," Goldsmith says. "It’s definitely taking a step in a direction and at the same time, it’s maintaining what it needs to maintain."

In 2009, Dawes emerged from the ashes of California combo Simon Dawes with North Hills, which drew instant acclaim for its rootsy revitalization of classic El Lay rock. And like any American rock ‘n’ roll band worth its salt, Dawes followed up by touring nearly non-stop. As a result, Goldsmith was only able to write during rare free moments, in the course of brief visits home or while crashing at a friend’s for a few days.

Goldsmith took a brief break from the band to record with friends and tourmates John McCauley of Deer Tick and Matt Vasquez of Delta Spirit as the collaborative supergroup Middle Brother, and in September 2010, Dawes reunited with producer Wilson at his new Echo Park studio. As with North Hills, Dawes opted to record Nothing Is Wrong live to 2" analog tape. Far from just an exercise in nostalgic authenticity, the band sees the more traditional technique as a way of focusing their energies and affirming their dedication to the creative process.

"If you’re writing on a typewriter," Goldsmith says, "you have to commit to whatever you’re writing. Typewriters don’t make it easy for you to go back and rethink things. Same thing with recording analog. We don’t do it because that’s what the people we admire did. We do it because it demands something out of us. It doesn’t allow us to show up lazy or not on our game. We cut every track knowing that this stuff isn’t easy to edit."

Along with critical approbation and an ever-growing fan following, Dawes has earned admiration from many of their greatest heroes. Benmont Tench of The Heartbreakers joined the band on organ on both North Hills and Nothing Is Wrong, while the new album’s "Fire Away" sees guest vocals from Jackson Browne, who has since invited the band to both support and back him on a European tour. In addition, after Goldsmith contributed vocals to Robbie Robertson’s star-studded new How To Become Clairvoyant, the legendary guitarist/songwriter asked Dawes to serve as his backing combo for a number of promotional performances, sensing in them the character of a true band, a tight knit unit who know how to work together and instinctively play off each other’s individual gifts.

Nothing Is Wrong captures both Dawes’ studio and stage approaches, matching the loose extemporaneity and crunchy dynamism of the band’s live sets with finely honed arrangements and deft musicianship.

Beginning today, fans may obtain an instant free album track download of "If I Wanted Someone" in exchange for signing up on the band’s announcement list at www.dawestheband.com.

Beginning next week, ATO Records and Dawes will release a series of weekly videos online featuring interview, candid, recording, and live performance footage leading up to release date on June, 7. Visit the band’s website www.dawestheband.com for more information.